Fire-extinguishing apparatus



e. T. PEARSONS.

FIRE EXTINGUISHING APPARATUS.

APPLlCATlON FILED JULY'Z4, I917.

SH ETSSHEET l- Patented Oct. 10, 1922.

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Q50. TEARso 6 ATTORNEY G. -T. PEARSONS. FIRE EXTINGUISHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION HLED JULY 24,19n.

1,431,178. Patented oat 10,1922.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

WITNESS: lA/I/E/VTOR 4/ H 0, 1 GEO-T- 7?50 I By ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 10, 1922.

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GEORGE PEARSONS, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

FiRE-EXTING'UISHING APPARATUS;

Application filed July 24, 1917. Serial No. 182,385.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE T. PEARSONS, a citizen of the Unit-ed States, and a resident of the borough of Manhattan, in the city, county, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Fire-Extinguishing Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to fire extinguishing apparatus, and particularly to fire ex tinguishing sprinkler systems in which the fire extinguishing medium, such as a liquid, is placed under compression and forcibly discharged through a distributing pipe line by a pressure generated when the system is set in operation, and in which the system is set in operation by the fusing of fusible means, such as a fusible closure for the out let or outlets of the pipe line, and it is the object of the invention to provide a fire extinguisher sprinkler system of this character in which the different elements of the system are at all times open to each other without any obstruction whatever, such as valves or the like. 4

It is a further object of the invention to provide a fire extinguishing apparatus in which the expelling pressure comprises a gas pressure generated by the commingling or uniting of gas generating materials, such as bicarbonate of soda, or bicarbonate of soda in solution, and sulphuric or hydrochloric acid, and in which the gas generating materials are normally maintained in a se arated condition but at all times having. an open connection to each other and sealed from each other by liquid means.

Other objects and advantages will hereinafter appear. v

In the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an em bodiment of my improved fire extinguishing sprinkler system, the different elements of the system being shown in sectional side elevation.

Figure 2 is a plan View of oneof the elements of the system to show the manner of supporting the same.

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of a modification of the system shown in Fig. 1, the different elements being shown in sectional side elevation.

Figure 4 is a sectional side elevation showing a modification of one of the elements of the system; and

Figure 5 is a detail of modified means to pivotally support one of the elements of the apparatus.

Similar characters of reference designate like parts throughout the different views of the drawings.

An embodiment of my invention is shown in the drawings adapted for use in connection with a sprinkler system including a distributing pipe line, (designated in a general way by P) extending through a building, the system to be set in operation by the fusing of fusible means, as by the fusing of fusible closures for sprinkler heads '5 connected to the outlets of the distributing pipe line. Connected to the distributing line by a riser 6 is a reservoiror tank -7 containing fire extinguishing liquid, such as carbon tetrachloride or a compound thereof, said tank having a filler opening closed by a cap 8. The riser 6 preferably extends to above the highest point ofthe system and has a return pipe 6 by means of which it is connected to the distributing line P. The liquid is placed under compression in and forcibly ejected from the tank 7 and through the distributing line by gas pressure generated by means which is set in operation upon the fusing of a sprinkler head or heads 5. For this purpose there is provided a pressure generating tank 9 having an out let and open connection 10 with the tank 7, said tank 9 containing gas generating material, such as bicarbonate of soda in solution.

Also in open connection with the pipe line P, as at 11, is a tank 12 containing-fire extinguishin liquid, such as carbon tetrachloride, anc which liquid is adapted to flow or be discharged from said tank through the distributing line upon the fusing of a closure for a sprinkler head or heads. The tank 12 is separated into two compartments or chambers by a wall or partition 13, the fire extinguishing liquid being carried in one chamber to which the distributing line is connected, and the other chamber, as shown at 14, containing gas generating material, such as sulphuric or hydrochloric acid, or a compound thereof to render the same non-freezing or freezing at a low temperature. The gas generating material carrying chamber 14 of the tank has an open connection 15 leading therefrom to the pressure generator or tank 9.

The tank 12 is in the nature of a starting device for the system for which purpose it is pivotally supported in a standard 17 by laterally projecting trunnions 18, 19, said trunnions preferably being offset or at one side of the longitudinal axis of the tank, as shown in Figure 2. The fire extinguishing liquid in said tank is of greater weight, or may be of greater volume, than the .gas generating material therein and operates to maintain the tank in the normal condition of the system with the gas generating material superposed thereto, as shown in the drawings. As one or more heads are fused and the liquid flows from said tank through the distributing line, the weight of the gas generating material. in the chamber 14: of said tank will overcome the counterbalance of the tank and cause it to automatically move or assume an inverted position when the outlet of such chamber to the pressuregenerating tank, which is normally above the level of the gas generating material, will be below or at the bottom of said chamber and said material will flow into the pressure generating tank 9 to commingle or unite with the material in said latter chamber and generate gas, which is expelled through the connection 10 into the tank 7 and operates to place the liquid in said latter tank under compression and expel the liquid from the latter tank through the riser 6 to the distributing line. The chamber 14 has a filler opening closed by a cap 20.

To permit of the ready inverting of the tank 12 the connections 11 and 15 of said tank to the distributing line and the tank 9 are flexible; that is, a looped section of flexible tubing, commonly termed flexible hose, is inserted in such connections. as clearly shown in the drawings. To assure the flow of the gas generating material from the chamber 1 1 to the pressure generating tank there is provided an open connect-ion 21 leading from the pressure generating tank to the chamber of the pivotally supported tank to lead a portion of the generated gas from the tank 9 into the chamber '14 to pl ace the material therein under com pression and forcibly eject the material therefrom. This connection in the normal condition of the apparatus extends to adjacent the bottom of chamber 14, The con-- nection 21 also has a looped section of flexible L tubing.

oil, said pocket having a filler opening closed by ,a cap 25, and a tubular member 26 extending from the opening to adjacent the bottom of the pocket. The connection 15 leads through the bottom of the member 1- up into the tubular portion 26 to a point above the liquid level in the pocket, and the connection of the tube 15 therewith is adjacent the top above the liquid level thereby interposing the liquid between the sections 15, 15 of the connection. A similar liquid carrying pocket 28 is provided in the connection 21, the connection of the tube 21 therewith being at a point above the liquid, and a portion 21 of said connection leading from the bottom of the pocket. This pocket also has an :air vent, shown in a general way at 29, to supply air to the chamber 1 1 to displace the material as it is initially discharged therefrom to prevent the creation of a vacuum.

An auxiliary supply of fire extinguishing liquid may be provided for the tank 12 and is shown as carried in a tank 31 having a filler opening closed by a cap 32, said tank having a flexible open connection 33 with the fire extinguishing liquid carrying chamber of the tank 12. This tank has an air vent for the admission of air to displace the liquid as it flows from the tank, saiu vent being normally closed by a spring influenced check valve 3 1 opening into and closing outward from the tank. To seal said outlet and prevent evaporation of the liquid there is interposed between said vent and the tank 31 a seal comprising a liquid carried in a pocket 35 connected to the tank by a tube 36 leading into the pocket above the liquid and into a tubular member 37 extending to the bottom of the pocket and having circumferentially disposed openings adjacent the lower end.

To assure sufficient pressure to expel the liquid from the tank and regulate said expelling pressure there is provided a pressure dome 40 preferably superposed to the tank 9, said dome carrying gas generating material, such as sulphuric or hydrochloric acid, and having a filler opening closed by a cap 41. This dome has an open siphon connection with the pressure generating tank, comprising a tube 42 extending upfrom an opening in the tank 9 and into a tubular member 43 carried by the cover 4E1 to a point above the level of the material, said member =13 extending to adjacent the bottom of the dome. In operation as the material flows from the chamber 1% into the tank 9 and pressure is generated in the latter, such pressure will pass up through the connection 21 into the chamber 13 and. through the siphon connection into the dome, such pressure entering the dome so and chamber 14 and operating to place the material in the dome 40 and chamber 14 under pressure and forcethe gas generating materials from said dome 40 and the chamber 14- into the pressure generating chamber until the pressure in the tank 9, dometO and chamber 14 are equalized and thereby operate to prevent the flow of gas generating material from the dome the gas generating material from the chamber 1% continuing to flow by gravity into the tank 9. However, as the pressure decreases in the tank 9 below the pressure which has been pocketed in the domedueto the expelling of the liquid from the tank 7, or otherwise, such pressure pocketedin the dome will operate to expel gas generating material from said chamber into the tank 9 and again operate to raise the pressure in the tanks 9 and 7. The tank 9 has a safety-valve 45. i

In Figure 3 I have shown a modification of my invention, the supply tank to the reservoir or chamber 12 having been eliminated, as well as the tank or reservoir 7 to which the pressure tank9is connected. In this construction instead of utilizing carbon tetrachloride or a compound thereof as the I fire extinguishing liquid or medium, the gas generated by the uniting of the gas generatingmaterial in the container or chamber M with the gas generating material in the reservoir or tank 9 is utilizedas the fire extinguishing agent. The tank 9-is directly connected to the distributing pipe line P by a riser 46 extending from adjacent the bottom of the tank 9 preferably to above the highest point of the system and is connected by a return pipe 47' with the distributing line. The starting and opera tion of the apparatus is the same as that disclosed in Figure 1; that is, when a fusible closure for an outlet of the distributing pipe line is fused the fire extinguishing liquid fromthe container or chamber 12 will flow through'the system, and upon the discharge of suchliquid-the pivotallysupported tank will automatically invert andthe gas gen erating material will flow from the container 14 into the tank 9 to unitenthe material therein, generating a gas under pressure which is expelled through the distributing line. In the construction shown in Figure 3. the container-12 is filled through a pipe 48 the free end of which extends up into a pocket or chamber 49 and into a closed tubular member 50 in said pocket, said member having circumferentiallydisposed openings adjacent the lower end andthe bottom of the pocket to open communication between the tube 48 and the pocket. The upper end of the pocket is open and is closedby a removable cap 51 having an air vent normally closed by a spring influenced valve opening into and closing outward from the pocket. This permits of the infiow of air intothe container 12 to displace the liquid as it flows therefrom to prevent the creation of a vacuum, and the liquid carried in the pocket serves as a seal to prevent evaporation. of the fire extinguishing liquid from the container 12.

In Figure 4 I have shown a modified means of sealing the fire extinguishing liquids or gas generating materials in the reservoirs 9 and 14, consisting in providing a liquid on the surface of one of said materials which is of less specific gravity than the gas generating material and impervious to the fumes of such material. In the present instances this is shown at id as fioating upon the surface of the gas generating material or acid carried in the container 14. It is to be understoodthat as the tank 12 is inverted this sealing material will at all times assume a position on the surface of the gas generating material.

In Figure 5 I have shown a modified means of pivotally supporting the tank 12 adapted for use when the system is utilized upon ships or the like, and whereby the pivotal support of the tank will be maintained on a substantially horizontal axis. The tank provided with the trunnions 18', 19 which are rotatably supported in a carrier 52 supported to swing on an axis transverse and substantially at right angles to the axis .of the trunnions 18, 19 by a standard orhanger, 53.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a fire extinguisher sprinkler system, the combination with a liquid distributing line having outlets with fusible closures, of a tank containing fire extinguishing and gas generating materials in communication with the distributing line; a pivotally supported tank arranged to carry fire extinguishing liquid and a gas generating material in a separated condition, said portion of the tank containing the gas generating material be ing connected to the first tank, and the portion oii'the tank containing the fire extinguishing liquid connected to the distributing line and operable by the fusing ot a fusible closure of the distributing line to cause the fire extinguishing liquid to flow from the pivotally supported tank and the tank to invert and cause the gas generating material. carried thereinto flow into the first tank to unite with the material in said first tank and create pressure therein for the purpose specified. i

2. In a fire extinguisher sprinkler system, the combination with a liquid'distributing line, of a pressure tank to contain gas gener ating material and having an outlet; a second tank pivotally supported and arranged to contain acid and a fire extinguishing liquid in separated relation, said liquid carrymg portion of the tank being in communication with the distributing line and the acid carrying portion of said tank being in communication with the pressure generating tank, said tank being normally maintained in position with the acid superposed to the fire extinguishing liquid and caused to invert and permit of the flow of acid therefrom and unite with the material in the pressure tank upon the discharge of the fire extinguishing liquid from the second tank in the manner and for the purpose specified.

3. In a fire extinguisher sprinkler system, the combination with a distributing line, of a pressure generating tank to carry gas gen-- erating material having an outlet; a pivotally supported tank to carry fire extinguishing liquid in open communication with and adapted to flow by gravity through the distributing line, and to carry gas generating material separated from the fire extinguishing liquid and normally in open communication with the pressure tank, said fire extinguishing liquid being of greater Weight than the gas generating material and normally maintaining the tank in position with the gas generating material superposed to the fire extinguishing liquid, and the discharge of said fire extinguishing liquid causing the tank to assume an inverted position and the gas generating material to flow into the pressure generating tank, for the purpose specified.

i. In a fire extinguisher sprinkler system, the combination with a distributing line, of a pressure generating tank to contain gas generating material having an out-- let; a pivotally supported tank separated in-- to chambers, one chamber containing fire extinguishing liquid in open communication with and adapted to fiow by gravity through the distributing line, and another chamber carrying gas generating material separated from and superposed to the fire extinguish ing liquid; a normally open connection between the pressure generating tank and said latter chamber of the pivotally supported tank; and a liquid carrying pocket in said connection to normally seal the gas generating materials from each other; said fire extinguishing liquid carried in the one chamber of the pivotally supported tank being of greater weight than the gas generating material carried in the other chamber of the tank and normally maintaining the tank in position with the gas generating material superposed to the fire extinguishing liquid, and the discharge of said fire extinguishing liquid causing the tank to automatically assume a position to permit the gas generating material to flow into and unite with the gas generating material in the pressure generating tank, for the purpose specified.

5. In a fire extinguisher sprinkler systern, the combination with a distributing line, of a' pressure generating tank to carry gas generating material having an outlet; a pivotally supported tank to carr fire extinguishing liquid in communication wi h and adapted to flow by gravity to the dis tributing line, and to carry gas generating material superposed to the fire extinguishing liquid; an open connection leading from above the surface of the gas generating material in said pivotally supported tank in the normal position thereof to the pressure tank; an'op'en connectionleading from the pressure generating tank to adjacent the bottom or the gas generating material in the pivotally supported tank in the normal position of said tank; and liquid carrying pockets in the connections between the gas generating materials in said tanks to normally seal the gas generating materials from each other; said fire extinguishing liquid carried in the pi'votally supported tank being of greater weight than the gas generating material carried therein and normally maintaining the tank in position with the generating material superposed to the fire extinguishing liquid, and the dis harge of said fire extinguishing liquid causlag the tank to automatically assume an inverted position and the gas generating material to fiow into and unite with the gas generating material in the pressure generating tank, for the purpose specified.

5. in a fire extinguisher sprinkler system, the combination with a distributing line, of a pressure generating tank to carry gas generating material having an outlet; a pivotally supported tank to carry fire extinguishing liquid in open communication With and adapted to flow by gravity to the distributing line, and to carry gas generating material separated from the fire extinguishing liquid; an open connection between the gas generating material in said tank and the pressure generating tank; said fire extinguishing liquid carried in the pivotally sup ported tank being of greater weight than the gas generating material carried therein and normally maintaining the tank in position with the gas generating material superposed to the fire extinguishing liquid, and the discharge of said fire extinguishing liquid causing the tank to automatically assume an in verted position and the gas generating material to flow into and unite with the gas generating material in the pressure generating tank; and a pressure dome carrying a gas generating material having a siphon connection with the pressure generating tank, for the purpose specified.

7. In a fire extinguishin system, the com.- bination with a distributing pipe line, of a pressure generating tank to contain gas generating material having an outlet; and a pivotally supportedftank to carry gas generating material connected to the pressure generating tank, and fire extinguishing liquid separated from the gas generating material connected to the distributing line; said fire extinguishing liquid operating to maintain the tank in position with the gas generating material superposed thereto, and the discharge of the fire extinguishing liquid causing the tank to assumean inverted position and discharge the gas generating material into the pressure generating tank, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

8. Ina fire extinguishingsystem,the-001m bination of a pressure generating tank to contain gas generating-material having an ally supportedtank to carry gas generating outlet; a pivotally supported tank to' carry gas generating material andia fire extinguishing liquid separated from and of greater weight thanthegas generating material and operatingto maintain the tank in position with the gasgenerating material superposed to the fire extinguishing liquid an outlet in said tank for the discharge of the fire extinguishing liquid, the'discharge of said liquid causing the tank to assume an inverted position; and means operable upon the inversionof said tank to discharge the gas generating material therefrom into the pressure generating tank, substantially as and for the" purpose specified.

9. In a fire extinguishing system, the com bination with a distributing pipe line, eta pressure generating tank to contain gas generating material having an outlet; a pivot material and a fire extinguishing liquid separated from and of greater weight than the gas generating material and operating to :inaintainthe tank in position withthe gas generatingmaterial, superposed to the fire extinguishing liquid, and'the discharge of the fire, extinguishingliquid causing the tank tolassume' an inverted position; a fiex' ible connection between the fire extinguishing liquid and the distributing line; and meansfincluding val-flexible connection between ithe'gas generating material inthe pivotally supported tank and the pressure generating tank operable upon the invercharge the gas generating material therefrom into the pressure generating tank, substantially as and'forthe purpose specified.

10! In a fire extinguishing system, the combination witha distribut ng pipe line, of a tank to contain fire extinguishing liquid connected to the distributing line; pressure generating tank to contain gas gener ating material ha'vingan outlet for the generated pressure into "the firsttankjand a pivotally supported tank 'to carrygas generating material connected to the pressure generating tank'a1id fire extinguishing liquid separated from the gas generating material connected to the distributing line; said fire extinguishing liquid operating to maintain the tank in position with the gas generating materiai superposed thereto, and the discharge oi the fire extinguishing liquid causing the tank to assume an inverted po sition and discharge the gas generating maing'tank having an outlet for the generated pressure leading to the first tank; a pivotally supported tank separated into two compartments, one compartment connected to the pressure generating tank and containing gas generating material, and the other compartment connected to the pipeline and containing fire extinguishing liquid. operating to maintain the tank in position with the gas generating material superposed thereto, and the discharge of the fire extinguishing liquid causing the tank to assume an inverted position and discharge the gas generating materialinto the pressure gener ating tank to unite with the material therein, substantially as and for the purpose specified. I

12. In a fire extinguisher. system, the con1 bination with a distributing pipe line, of a tank containing fire extinguishing liquid connected to the pipe line; a pressure generating tank having an outlet for the generated pressure at all times open to the first tank; a pivotally supported tank separated into two con' partments, one compartment having an openconn cticn leading to the pressure generating tank and an open pressure connection leading thereto from the pressure generating tank and said compartment containing agas generating material, and the other compartment having an open connection with the pipe line and containing a fire extinguishing liquid and operating to maintain the tank in position with the gas generatihglmaterial superposed thereto, said tank upon the discharge of the fire extinguishing liquid assuming an inverted position and discharging the gas generating material into the pressure generating tank, substantially as and for the purpose specified. p V

13. In a fire extinguisher system, the combinationwith a distributing pipe line, of a tank containing fire extinguishing liquid con nected to the pipe line ;a pressure generating tank having an outlet for the generated pressure at all times open to the first tank; a pivotally supported tank separated into two chambers, one chamber having an open connection leading thereto from the pressure generating tank and containing a gas generating material, and the other chamber having an open connection with the pipe line and containing fire extinguishing liquid and. operating to maintain the tank in position with the gas generating material superposed thereto,=said tank upon the discharge of the fire extinguishing liquid assuming an inverted position and discharging the gas generating material into the pressure generating tank; and a pressure dome having an open connection with the pressure generating tank and carrying a gas generating material adapted to be expelled therefrom by the pressure generated in the pressure generating tank, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

14. In a fire extinguisher system, the combination with a distributing pipe line of a tank containing fire extinguishing liqud connected to the pipe line; a pressure generating tank having an outlet for the generated pressure at all times open to the first tank; a pivotally supported tank separated into two chambers, one chamber containing gas generating material and the othe' chamber having an open connection with the pipe line and containing fire extinguishing liquid and operating to maintain the tank in position with the gas generating material super posed thereto said tank upon' the discharge of the fire extinguishing liquid assuming inverted position; an open connection lead ing from the chamber carrying the gas gen erating material to the pressure generating tank, and a pressure connection from the pressure generating tank to the chamber to discharge the gas generatingmaterial from the chamber into the pressure generating tank upon the inversion of the pivotally supported tank; liquid carrying pockets in said connections to seal the gas generating materials from each other in the normal. position of the pivotally supported tank; a pressure dome superposed to the pressure generating tank carrying gas generating material; and an open siphon connection be tween the pressure dome and the pressure generating tank substantially as and for the purpose specified.

15. In a fire extinguisher systemi the combination with a distributing pipe line, of a tank to contain fire extinguishingliquid having an open connection with the pipe line; a pressure generating tank to contain gas generating material having an open connection with the first tank; pivotally sup.- norted tank having a pair of chambers, one chamber to contain ga generating material and the other chamber fire extinguishing liquid the latter operating to maintain the tank in position with the gas generrziting ma terial superposed thereto; an open flexible connection between the chamber containing the fire extinguishing liquid and the pipe line; said tank upon the discharge of the fire extinguishing liquid automatically assuming an inverted position; flexible connections leading from the chamber carrying the gas generating material. to the pressure tank and from the pressure generating tank to the chamber to discharge the gas generating material from the chamber into the pressure generating tank upon the inversion of the pivotally supported tank; liquid can rying pockets insaid connectionsto seal the gas generating materials from each other in the normal position of'the pivot-ally supported tank; a pressure dome superposed to the pressure generating tank to carry gas generating material and having an open siphon connection with the pressure gener ating tank; and a supply tank for a fire extinguishing liquid having an open and flexible connection with the fire extinguishing liquid carrying chamber of the pivotally supported tank substantially as and for the purpose specified.

16. In a fire extinguisher system, an invertible tank containing a plurality of substances adapted to be inverted upon the flow of one substance from the tank to eject an other substance therefrom.

17. In fire extinguishing apparatus a pivotally supported tank containing a plurality of materials and operable on the flow of one of the materials. to be automatically inverted.

18. In fire extinguishing apparatus, an invertible tank containing a plurality of materials in a separated condition and operable on the flow of one of the materials therefrom to assume an inverted position, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

19. In fire extinguishing apparatus, an in vertible tank containing a plurality of materials in a separated condition and operable on the flow of one of the materials therefrom to automatically invert and eject another material therefrom.

20. In fire extinguishing apparatus, the combinationwith a liquid distributing line; a receptacle for a fire extinguishing'liquid connected to the distributing line; a second receptacle for gas generating material; a third receptacle for gas generating. material connected to the second receptacle; a fourth receptacle for fire extinguishing material connected to the third receptacle and the distributing line; and means operable by the flow of liquid. from thefirst receptacle to cause the gas generating materials to unite andcreate pressure and place the liquid in the fourth. receptacle under compression.

21. In fire extinguishing apparatus, a pivotally supported tank containing a plurality of materials and maintained in a predetermined. position by oneof the materials therein, and upon the discharge of such material adapted to assume another position to discharge another material therefrom.

22. In fire extinguishing apparatus, a pivotally supported tank divided into separate chambers containing different materials, each chamber having an outlet, said tank be ing maintained in a predetermined position by the material in one of said tanks and upon the discharge of such material adapted 10 to assume another position to discharge the material from another chamber.

Signed at New Yorkcity, in the county of New York, and State of New York, this 23 day of July, 1917.

. GEO. T. PEARSONS. 

